When you view your proofs you’ll also see two composite pictures that I have created especially for you. What’s a composite picture? It’s where I will combine two or more images into one photo. I’ll create a 10×20 and a 11×14 for you. Both are standard frame sizes. I can surprise you or you can suggest themes and ideas. These are optional ala carte photos you can purchase. Below are a sampling  of composites.

Note: Cutout images like below are on request and have an additional charge

He and three fellow IBMers were playing with Amanda Blumenherst.  She a 23 year old rookie who recently graduated from Duke University.  Very lovely young lady with a lot of potential.

During a pro tournament you’re not allowed to do any kind of photography unless you have a media tag.  And then you can’t shoot while they are in the back part of their swing.  But, a pro-am is different.  I was right up there with them.I followed Bruce for about 6 holes, before I hitched a ride back to the club house with a golf channel camera man from Austin Tx.

There I just wondered around taking shots of the pros practicing at the driving range or putting green.  Everyone was very nice.  They all seemed so relaxed despite the fact they were preparing for a big tournament starting the next day.

I also have a new video program Proshow Gold.  I decided to try out the animation effects it has.  Check out my video of Pro-Am highlights below.

Have a parent call me on Monday June 7th to book your Senior Portrait Consultation and you will receive $20 of Ala Carte Items FREE with the purchase of a Deluxe package. $10 of Ala Carte Items FREE with the purchase of a Simplicity package. You can reach me by calling 309-452-9262.

Though I’ve known Natalie’s family for several years I’ve learned a lot about her since our photo shoot.

While most of us are forced to take piano lessons as a child, Natalie, at the age of 7, was begging her parents to give her piano lessons. 15 years later she has completed 2 years at the Manhattan School of Music.  And this Fall she will continue her education at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.

She has also been involved with several pageants in Illinois.  She is currently Miss Capital City and will be competing for the Miss Illinois 2010 title this June.  Being quite involved in these pageants she knows that the job requires her to be outwardly focused on serving her community.  And that’s where the Chinese comes in.

This week up through Saturday, May 1st you can go to Panda Express at Eastland Mall and 20% of your order will go to The Children’s Miracle Network, raising money to fund hospital’s for children.

All you have to do is print out the coupon below and present it with your order. Or click here to print out a whole sheet of coupons to share with family, friends and co-workers: panda-express coupons

She and I are also trying to “cook up” an event this Saturday at the food court from 11-1.  We’re still waiting on permission from the mall office.  It’s a secret for now but I’ll give you a clue, it involves young girls, crowns and photos.  Stay tuned to see if we get the go ahead from the mall.

If you can’t get to the Panda Express this week please consider contributing to The Children’s Miracle Network on Natalies behalf at her website.

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=24788EEA3B471B

Thanks from me and Natalie for your generous support.

Look up the definition of the word “proof” and you’ll see it’s used in a variety of ways.  How about a mathematical proof?  Or when something is child-proof or water-proof?  What about proof in a court of law which shows that something is true?  In photography, a proof is a sample image intended to be used for the purpose of selecting a final image.

So, what do we need to know about proofs that will help us with our selection of a photographer? I think we need the answers to the following questions:

What form will the proofs take?

There are two basic forms; digital and printed.  The printed ones might be as large as a 4×6 or as small as a stamps printed on a proof sheet.  The larger ones will often have the logo printed on it or a watermark across the image.  Digital proofs are either shown only online or on a CD.  Often they will have a watermark on them as well.  I’ve also seen them given on CD’s that  after a certain amount of time they self-destruct just like in Mission Impossible.   Well, not exactly, these just stop working.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages?  Printed ones are easy to carry around with you.  You’ll want to take them to school to get everyone’s opinion.  Mom will want to take them to work.  They’re just very portable. But, if they are too small you might have difficultly really telling what they will look like when they are blown up and hanging over the fireplace.  The watermark may be distracting.

Are the digital ones any better?   Well, yes and no.  They aren’t very portable which can be frustrating.  But generally they aren’t very, very small.  Online images are easier to share with relatives far away.  One big problem with digital is that they are seen with transmitted light and prints are seen with reflective light (light that reflects off the ink).  Because of this prints will never perfectly match the brilliant colors you see on the monitor.  It’s just not physically possible.  A good photographer can make them close but never exactly the same.  Also the images will look different on different monitors.  If your photographer calibrates their monitor the images seen on their monitor will look the closest to the prints.   But they can look very different when you get home.

Do I get to keep the proofs?

You’ll also want to know if you get to keep the proofs.  Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t.  Some photographers will let you buy all the whole set of proofs at a discounted rate.  Others might give them to you if your order exceeds a certain amount.  Still others will include them as part of the package.   Personally, I let you keep the proofs. The catch is that my logo is on them.  I see free advertising coming my way whenever you show them to your friends.

Getting to keep the proofs will add value to your final order. So this should be considered when comparing the “out the door” price with another photographer.  Another advantage of getting to keep the proofs is that it reduces some of the pressure to buy more photos than you planned on in your budget.

How close are the proofs to the final image?

This is a big question that you need to ask.  Some photographers don’t do any editing of their proofs.  Some do some basic corrections.  Others go all out and what you see is what you get.  The disadvantage of the first two options is that some people have difficulty imagining what the final image is going to look like.  The disadvantage of the final option is that doing final editing of ALL your proofs takes time and that can add costs to the final price.

The thing I think you need to remember is to ask them if they completely finish off the proofs or will the ones you choose be edited further.  If the answer is that they will be edited further, ask them if they can show you a sample of a proof and its final image.  That way you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

What is a “Rep” you ask?  Rep is short for Representative. Reps are a Win/Win marketing technique. Photographers find students who will tell their friends about their services in exchange for reduced prices.   Sometimes the sitting fee is reduced or free.  And usually you earn some sort of credit for every friend who books a shoot with your photographer. Some photographers will ask around looking for referrals of students who will make good representatives of their studio.  Others actually hold tryouts or interviews that you can sign up for.

Now, you probably want to know if you could become a Rep?  So, first, stop and think,  “Will I be a good rep?”  I don’t think you have to be “popular” or “one of the beautiful people” to be a successful representative.  But, you do need to be friendly and likeable.  You need to be able to comfortably hand out cards and discuss the merits of the photographer you are representing.  You might even have to talk to people you don’t know very well.  If you think you’re this person here’s your next step….

Check out websites of photographers in your area.  There’s a good chance you’ll find their information regarding reps right there.  If not you can always call them and ask.  You could send them an email, but I think you’ll get a better response if you call.  It shows that you are comfortable approaching someone and talking to them.   To get you started here’s a link to the information regarding  Reflections Etc “Share the Fun” rep program. The good news is that at Reflections Etc “everyone” can be a rep.

It’s the same with photographers. If you were very familiar with each photographer’s work in your town, in a line up, you’d probably be able to tell who took which picture. There are broad areas of popular style.  Some are discussed below.  Just like teens, photographers will have their own style within these broad areas. You will want to study the work of photographers you are considering and decide if you like their style.

Traditional

Recognize that hairstyle?
Yep that’s me again. Traditional photography involves more formal, posed images. They are often shot in a studio under lights with a simple background such as the one of my son below.

Outside shots can also be considered traditional if they appear
more posed than natural.

Casual

This style is informal. Though the images may be posed they give the appearance of not being posed. (or at least they try not to)

Model Like

A popular style is to create the look of a magazine model. Often you will be able to pay to have a hairstyle and make-up artist to help you prepare for this type of image.

Urban

Though this may seem more like a setting rather than a style, the available architecture in an urban area seems to create a unique look that can not be achieved in a studio or park like setting.

Creative

This is a very broad style that is difficult to put into words. But I think that you’ll recognize it when you see it.

Journalistic

Journalistic photos tell a story. They are often not posed. While one image can tell quite a story, this style often involves a series of photos. Props can be added to help tell the story.

Black & White

There are some photographers who create ONLY Black and White photos.  Many will create some images as Black and White because of the mood they are trying to convey in that particular image.  Some people love Black and White.  Some don’t like it at all.

Award Winning Studios

Chances are you will have the experience of a lifetime.  Awesome photographer and staff;  Make-up artist available (at an extra charge);  Studio filled with sets you can’t decide from; And most importantly stunning photos to last a lifetime.  So what’s the downside?  Well, for starters…..$$$$.  These photographers are well trained; well experienced;  they do a lot of marketing and have a lot of overhead.  And that costs something.   They may also be extremely busy.  You might have difficulty getting an appointment that works well with you schedule and they may not be very flexible if you need to reschedule.  If you have your heart set on outdoor photos and it’s raining that day they may have a policy that requires you to move your shoot into their studio.  Make sure you ask about their policies.

Medium to Small Studios

Does a smaller studio automatically mean less than awesome photos? Of course not.  Many photographers choose to work in a different type of environment; One that exists at a slower pace where they can give a lot of personal attention.  Rather than having a large staff doing most of the post processing, they chose to do it themselves because they see it as part of their own personal art.  Are they cheaper?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  That’s for you to find out.  The biggest down side is that the majority of studios in your town fall in this category. Finding one that’s right for you could be difficult.  Ask around.  Google from them.  Their websites have examples of the quality and style of their work and locations they shoot in.

In Home Professionals

It may be even harder to locate in-home professionals who shoot wonderful shots.  Word of mouth and Google may be the only paths to their door. The up side is that they may be able to be more flexible with you; both in regards to time and location.  They may be in a position to take more time with you and give you a more relaxed photo shoot.  Though it is not always the case, their prices may be less than photographer’s with a studio just because they have less overhead.  You never know.  You just need to do you research.  The biggest down fall is that many of them don’t have an in home studio.  They shoot only outdoor, on location photos.  If the weather isn’t cooperating you may need to reschedule.  So prepare to be flexible.

Walk-In Studios

If you decide to go to a walk-in studio with their $9.95 full package deal coupon in hand, make sure you are ready for a sales pitch for a much larger package.  You might also want to clarify, if you decide to just take the $9.95 deal, “Do you have any choice in which pose you want?”   I’ve received several treasured photos of my kids when they were little from studios such as this.  Some studios take great pictures and others don’t.  Sometimes is depends on the photographer who happens to be working at the time you go in. Since you won’t have an appointment you can go when you’re in the mood. Then again your mood might change if you have to wait in line.  You might want to call ahead to see how busy they are.  They may be willing to suggest times are are slower.   Things to remember is that you will have limited choices of settings with very little, if any, post processing done to your final images.

One studio might advertise a very cheap sitting fee hoping that once you see the photos your emotions will take over and you’ll be willing pay their prices for the photos themselves. Another may be offering a package deal that includes the sitting fee and a certain number of photos. This option may seems more expensive at first and that’s why you need to compare the “Out the Door” pricing.

Make sure you ask both of them ahead of time how much they charge for photos, or in the case of a package deal-any extra photos, so you can plan ahead. If they won’t give you the info you need for estimating the “Out the Door” prices you might want to consider, well……heading “out the door”.

Be sure to ask what else is included in this price? How much time will you have with the photographer? How many proofs will you receive and do you get to keep them? Will you receive copies that you can put on your Facebook? How many changes of clothes are you allowed? How many different sets or locations can you choose?

Another set of questions should be asked regarding the number of poses you will receive. Most professional photos are “post processed” using a program such as Photoshop. This step adds to the cost of the final images. Some photographers have the cost of  a certain number of poses built into their package and will charge a fee for more. This helps to keep the overall cost down. What does this means?  For example, let’s say that your package deal includes 3 poses. You want to purchase 9 – 5×7’s.  You can buy 9 – 5×7’s but you can’t buy 9 “different” 5×7’s without paying an extra fee.  But you could buy 3 of one pose, 3 of another, and 3 of the last pose. Just be sure to ask how many poses do you get to chose? And what is the cost if you want to purchase more poses?

Just as a reminder you aren’t necessarily looking for the cheapest photographer. You just want do make sure you are getting the best deal possible and still have the experience and type and quality of images that you’re looking for. Your trying to stay within that budget you’ve already decided on. Remember you have choices.

Next time we’ll look at a few types of photographers/studios….

Photographs are powerful.  The emotions they can evoke are deep and wide.  We know that as time passes on our memories fade.  We also know that photographs can help us hold on to those precious “mere seconds in time”.

Photographs can also be expensive if they are done by a professional.  And since purchasing portraits can be a very emotional laden task one must have a strong since of their budget even before the process begins.

You may spend two hours with the photographer and pay $1000 for essentially a few pieces of paper.  What you need to keep in mind is that you aren’t paying the photographer $500 an hour.  If you factor in prep time, travel time, set up, uploading, sorting and editing, printing, prepping and sharing proofs, more editing, printing, prepping and sharing final images, the photographer puts in around 18-20 hours for a two hour photo session.   So their making $50- $60 an hour in reality.  But, then let’s factor in the high cost of quality camera equipment and lighting, the cost of maintaining a studio (if they have one), accounting fees, insurance, taxes and so on.  Hmmmm…may they’re not charging a ridiculous fee after all.

But, I can hear some of you screaming…..”I don’t have $1000 to pay for senior portraits.”   Well, that’s just an example, a realistic one, but just an example.  The point is that professional portraits can be expensive and we need to go in with an idea of how much we can spend.  We need to do our research to make sure we understand our choices.  We want to make the best decision based on the type of image and experience we are looking for without spending more than we can afford.

It’s often quoted in Senior Portrait marketing, that teens choose the photographer but the parents pay the bill. So teens and parents you need to sit down and try to talk realistically about how much you can afford.  After doing more research you can always re-evaluate.  Maybe your budget was unrealistic low for the type of images you want. Or maybe you found someone whose work you love who charges less than you thought you would find. Just make sure you start the dialogue about money from the very beginning.

Next time we’ll talk about how to evaluate photographers/studios based on your budget.